Singing for the Brain and its benefits for dementia patients
Music can be a powerful way of improving brain activity in dementia patients. To recognise this, inpatients and staff on Community Unit 27 were treated to a Singing for the Brain session, kindly delivered by the Alzheimer’s Society.
Unit 27 offers a period of enhanced assessment to patients who are fit from discharge from an acute hospital bed, but are not quite ready to return home. Whilst the 28-bedded unit is for adults recovering following an illness or injury, there are some patients who also have comorbidities such as dementia.
Music has an impact on us all, it can heighten our emotions and even make us recall fond memories – dementia patients are no exception to that.
Jackie Goodswen, who’s mum Betty has dementia shares how music can make a noticeable difference and how it makes her feel seeing her mum recall a lyric or tune.
Inpatients and staff gathered in the dayroom for the session, with Kelly Davis and Rachel McKane from the Alzheimer’s Society singing and playing acoustic guitar. The duo sang some well-known songs such as It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and Que Sera Sera.
Irene Smith, Therapy Assistant Practitioner on the ward shared:
“The sessions are so interactive. We had so many patients really come out of their shell today and have a giggle. It has been really lovely to see.”
A timely diagnosis is crucial to ensuring people get better access to treatment - slowing the dementia's progression. For more information on dementia and spotting the signs early, please visit the NHS website today.